Patents by Inventor Rick Danks

Rick Danks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8984675
    Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: James Miller, Rick Danks, Ian Vivero
  • Publication number: 20080053532
    Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: James MILLER, Rick DANKS, Ian VIVERO
  • Publication number: 20070113330
    Abstract: A control system for a flush toilet includes a water delivery device for delivering a source of flush water to a bowl. The control system includes a controller and a user interface. The controller is operative to control the toilet through a flush sequence in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a predetermined amount of water to the bowl. In the second mode, the controller opens the water delivery device to deliver a user adjustable amount of water to the bowl. The user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting between the first mode and the second mode. Where the toilet is a macerator toilet, the controller monitors current draw unit when the current draw satisfies a predetermined current condition. The controller may operate in a normal mode and a lockout mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: James MILLER, Rick Danks, Julian Smith, Daniel Delaney, George Grech, Forrest Butterwick